Strategic Plan 2026–2030
Built for the moment — advancing the future
The University’s next chapter
For more than 165 years, the University of Washington has transformed lives and strengthened communities across the state, the Pacific Northwest, the United States and the world. In a time of rapid technological, scientific and societal change, we enter our next chapter with clarity and confidence.
This strategic plan begins with the strengths and values that define our University, sets a clear vision for the next five years, and establishes four pillars to guide the institution’s choices and investments. The pillars help create an inclusive environment where all students, faculty and staff can thrive — and they reinforce our foundational commitment to keep the UW strong for future generations and the future of Washington state and the world.
Charting an ambitious path forward
The strategic plan’s four pillars were shaped by the insights and aspirations of UW students, trainees, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as partners from government, industry and our communities. The pillars reflect our shared ambition for how the UW can better support and contribute to those we serve and the public good. They guide the actions and investments needed to build a more innovative, equitable and resilient future for all.
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Pillar 1
Delivering high-quality, debt-free education that unlocks opportunity
We’ll expand access to high-quality education that is both broad and deep, preparing Huskies for a spectrum of career paths and civic life — ensuring that a UW education opens doors for every learner and equips them with enduring skills.
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Pillar 2
Engaging in radical collaborations for breakthroughs and public benefit
Through trusted partnerships across the public and private sectors, we’ll speed up breakthroughs in science, technology and creativity — fueling the state’s economy, addressing climate change and turning research into practical solutions.
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Pillar 3
Strengthening healthier communities where everyone can thrive
We’ll expand access to high-quality, equitable healthcare; strengthen the health workforce; drive technological innovation that improves health outcomes; and use research to address the factors that shape how long and how well people live.
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Pillar 4
Stewarding and growing the people and resources that support our mission and strategic initiatives
We will care for and invest in employees and resources, improve systems and services, strengthen our financial future, and collaborate across all campuses and divisions to make the UW one of the world’s best places to work and learn.
A future-focused vision
At the heart of this plan is a vision of a University that brings people, ideas and technologies together in radically innovative ways to improve the lives of people across Washington state and beyond.
This is a time of extraordinary possibility — and these strategic priorities position the UW to lead with boldness, imagination and excellence. Together, guided by our values and strengthened by our partnerships, we will elevate education, innovation and collaboration in ways that benefit people and communities, shaping a healthier, more equitable future.
To make this vision a reality, the people, programs and enterprise that make up the University of Washington will further these priorities in classrooms, labs, clinics and communities — supporting our students, strengthening our workforce, deepening partnerships, and advancing the research and ideas that improve lives across Washington and the world.